Method and apparatus for detailing vehicles

ABSTRACT

A system for detailing vehicles, including an elongate flexible tool ( 26, 28, 30 ) having first and second ends. A cloth or absorbent material ( 32 ) can be attached to the tool first end, and the second end of the tool can be grasped and manipulated to clean remote areas on the vehicle. The tool is preferably between about 10 and 20 inches long, and can be in one of several configurations, including a pointed flat paddle design, pointed rod, and/or a slotted rod. The latter in particular can be driven by a drill motor to speed up the detailing procedure. A kit according to the invention can also include a mesh bag ( 33 ) to store and wash the various cleaning cloths; and one or more broad area cleaning devices, e.g., a lamb&#39;s wool duster ( 25 ) and/or a mini-mop ( 22 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to methods and tools forthoroughly cleaning, or “detailing,” vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As noted above, the present invention relates to detailingvehicles. And while the present invention could be used in the contextof many different types of vehicles, it will be described hereinprimarily in connection with motorcycles.

[0003] As a class, motorcycle owners are very particular about theappearance of their “bikes.” This is especially true in the case of moreexpensive bikes; e.g., custom bikes that have expensive paint jobs andextra chrome. But even for fairly typical bikes, their owners often liketo keep them spotless. This penchant for cleanliness seems to be evenmore prevalent than in the case of automobiles.

[0004] Keeping a bike clean is very challenging. The internal works andstructure of bikes are more exposed than cars. The engine, drive system,brakes, etc. are all packed into a relatively small area, and tend tocreate or attract dirt and debris. Along with the wheels, forks,fenders, tanks and frame, exposed nooks and crannies collect dirt,grease, dust, insect carcasses, and road grime and tar. Removing theseelements from and then polishing these nooks and crannies, along withthe more easily accessed areas, is a must if the owner wishes tomaintain a bike in “show” condition.

[0005] Faced with the problems outlined above, some bike owners simplywash their bikes with soap and water, in a manner similar to how mostcards are washed. But discerning bike owners want to more thoroughlyclean their bikes, even the more difficult-to-reach areas such as thehub area of spoked wheels, the tope of cylinder covers and underneaththe gas tanks, frame tubing under the bike, and a myriad of hard toreach and tightly packed components. These bike owners want to “detail”their bikes by thoroughly cleaning them even in the above-noted nooksand crannies, so that they maintain their like-new appearance and revealtheir custom paint finishes and chrome accessories.

[0006] Typically, a bike owner will degrease and pressure wash his orher bike using various soap solutions. This process notwithstanding,there is always a thin film of residue left on all surfaces of the bike.In order to achieve a “show bike” appearance, all these surfaces must berubbed by hand. Always problematic for those owners who want everythingon the bike to appear polished are the hard to reach components and verysmall nooks and crannies that remain dirty and oily in spite of beingblasted by a high-pressure stream of water. The most common implementsused for detailing these otherwise inaccessible areas are toothbrushes,sponge paintbrushes and short sticks or screwdrivers covered by a cloth.The stick/screwdriver method is the most effective. It involvesinserting the tool (short stick, screwdriver, plastic knife, etc.) intothe cloth, holding the cloth in place by stretching it over the far endof the tool, holding the near end of the tool, and “poking” the toolinto the nooks and crannies to try to wipe off the dirty parts. Thecloth is often dipped into a soap solution, solvent, or wax compound toincrease cleaning effectiveness.

[0007] While the “cloth and stick” method outlined above sometimes worksfairly well in areas that are readily accessible and not particularlydirty, it does not work very well in more challenging and/or remoteareas. A short stick or screwdriver is rigid and will not bend aroundfixed structures. This allows the user to clean only in “line of sight”areas. And, the “cloth and stick” method is fairly tedious, sometimestaking literally hours to detail a bike. And, the typical “stick” iseither (i) a blade-type screwdriver, which can scratch the bike's finishif it protrudes through the cloth; or (ii) a frozen confectionery (e.g.,Popsicle) stick or plastic flatware knife, either of which is often tooshort to reach all of the nooks and crannies and can break under abending load. Also, whether a screwdriver, confectionery stick orplastic knife is used, the cloth tends to slip off the far end of the“stick,” thus slowing the process even further, and possibly scratchingthe finish on the bike.

[0008] Also, Popsicle sticks can break easily and come in only oneshape, width, length, and thickness. Applicant believes that a greatervariety of “sticks” is needed to adequately do the job. Similarly,plastic knives also break easily; have a limited shape, width, length,and thickness; and, depending on the material, could leave marks andscratches on the vehicle being detailed.

[0009] In addition to detailing tools that fall into the category of a“cloth and stick,” Applicant has found that there is sometimes a needfor a compact tool that can clean larger surfaces and/or a fairly ruggedtool for cleaning grimy, complex shapes, e.g., bike chains andsprockets.

[0010] Finally, Applicant believes that detailing tools such as thosedescribed above would preferably be provided in kit form. Given the factthat a typical detailing task requires the use of several differenttools having distinctly different characteristics, a collection of toolsin a convenient kit would allow the user to address a wider variety ofdetailing situations. Applicant has also discovered that such a kit isoptimally sold in a container that can not only package the kit on theshowroom floor and/or for shipment, but can also serve as a handystorage container post-sale.

[0011] The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the“cloth-and-stick” method outlined above, and in preferred embodimentsalso addresses the need for additional special purpose detailing toolsin a convenient kit form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention includes an apparatus for detailing aremote area on a vehicle, including an elongate tool having first andsecond ends; and an elongate strip of material having first and secondends, wherein the first end of the material is removably attached to thefirst end of the tool, and the second end of the material is engagedwith the second end of the elongate tool, whereby the elongate tool canbe held at its second end and manipulated to place the material incleaning contact with the vehicle remote area.

[0013] In preferred embodiments the “tool” is at least 10 inches long,and more preferably it is about 16 inches long, and could even beupwards of about 20 inches long. As far as the material(s) preferablyused to construct the tool, the tool could be made of plastic,preferably an injection molded Delrin having a bending strength of atleast about 10,000-psi.

[0014] The “material” that is carried by the tool can include a strip ofterry cloth. The first end of the tool forms a point and the first endof the material is impaled on the point and the second end of thematerial is pinched against the second end.

[0015] The “tool” can be a pointed round rod or a pointed flat paddle,for example. The flat paddle can be notched.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the “tool” first end has a slot toreceive the “material.”

[0017] The tool can be manually held and manipulated to achieve cleaningof the vehicle remote area; or the second end of the tool can bemanipulated and powered by means of a drill motor.

[0018] The present invention also includes a kit for detailing variousremote areas on a vehicle, including a plurality of elongate tools, eachhaving a first end and a second end; a plurality of elongate strips ofmaterial, each having a first end and a second end, wherein remote areason the vehicle can be cleaned by the various tools by attaching thestrips of material thereto and manipulating the resulting assembly toplace the material in cleaning contact with the remote areas; and anelongate clear plastic tube for displaying, shipping and storing thetools and material.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the kit further includes one or moreelongate large area cleaning tools; wherein one of the large areacleaning tools can be a swab or mini-mop, and one of the large areacleaning tools can include a lamb's wool duster.

[0020] Additional aspects of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the appended Drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a detailing kit according to thepresent invention and a preferred packaging system thereof;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of one of the tools of the kit shown inFIG. 1, i.e., a swab or “mini-mop,” in use on the fuel tank of a bike;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of another one of the tools from thedetailing kit of FIG. 1, i.e., a relatively stiff brush, in use on abike chain and sprocket;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of another one of the tools of the kitshown in FIG. 1, i.e., a pointed rod/cloth combination, in use on theslofted openings around the front fork structure of a bike;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of one of the tools of the kit shown inFIG. 1, i.e., a slotted rod/cloth combination, powered by a drill motorand in use on a portion of the under-frame of a bike;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of another one of the tools of the kitof FIG. 1, i.e., a flat paddle/cloth combination, in use on the cylindercooling fins of a bike;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of another use for the flatpaddle/cloth combination shown in FIG. 6, i.e., on the spokes of awheel;

[0028]FIG. 8A is an enlarged side view of the flat paddle tool of FIG.1;

[0029]FIG. 8B is an enlarged end view of the flat paddle tool of FIG. 1;

[0030]FIG. 9A is an enlarged side view of the slotted rod tool of thekit of FIG. 1, with a cloth installed;

[0031]FIG. 9B is an enlarged end view of the slotted rod tool of FIG. 1,minus the cloth;

[0032]FIG. 10A is an enlarged side view of the pointed rod tool of thekit of FIG. 1; and

[0033]FIG. 10B is an enlarged end view of the pointed rod tool of thekit shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention will be described with reference to theattached Drawing, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeassemblies and parts throughout the several views.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes severalvehicle (e.g., motorcycle) detailing tools that are preferablycommercialized in the form of a kit 20. While a detailing kit accordingto the present invention could include various subsets or supersets ofthe collection of tools pictured in FIG. 1, in one embodiment kit 20includes a swab 22; brush 24; duster 25; pointed rod 26; slotted rod 28;paddle 30; cleaning cloths 32; and mesh bag 33. As depicted in FIG. 1,several of the tools that make up preferred kit 20 are long and slender,and thus can be packaged in a shipping/storage tube 34 which can beclosed off by a cap 36.

[0036] Each of the preferred detailing tools will be described below interms of its structure and application. While the tools will, for themost part, be described individually, it should be noted that in apreferred kit according to the present invention the tools are in factcomplementary or synergistic. That is, the tools work together toprovide a kit which will handle all or virtually all of the cleaningtasks involved in detailing a vehicle, and in particular a motorcycle.With that, each of the detailing tools depicted in FIG. 1 will bedescribed further below.

Swab 22 and Duster 25

[0037] Swab 22 is in the nature of a miniature mop having a round,elongated handle 38 and a washing end 40 made up of a large plurality ofbound, soft absorbent fibers. Swab 22 is preferably about 12 inches inlength, the wooden handle is about ¾ inch in diameter, and the fibersthat make up the washing end are preferably a soft cotton orcotton/polyester blend. The fibers are affixed to the handle with aheavy duty cotton thread. While a tool in the nature of swab 22 could beconstructed or acquired from numerous sources, one source for apreferred swab 22 is the Ekco Company, sold as model number 58076. Othersuch swabs or “mini-mops” employing wire to affix the mop head to thehandle were rejected as the wire could potentially scratch or mar paintand chrome surfaces.

[0038]FIG. 2 shows swab 22 in use on a fuel tank 42 of a motorcycle 44.Swab 22 can be used to clean virtually any broad, relatively accessiblearea on the vehicle. Further, various cleaning solutions or solvents canbe used with swab 22, depending on the type or severity of the dirt orgrime to be removed. It should be noted that use of swab 22 in thismanner may in fact be the first step involved in an overall “detailing”of the motorcycle, given that swab 22 works on relatively larger andmore accessible areas. Once these larger areas have been cleaned, thenthe owner of the vehicle can turn to the smaller and less accessiblenooks and crannies.

[0039] Preferred kit 20 also includes lambs wool duster 25, which, likeswab 22, is intended for cleaning broad, relatively accessible areas onthe vehicle. The use of duster 25 in the context of a vehicle detailingtool is novel. The prior art consists of the use of simple rags toremove dust and loose debris. Rubbing waxed surfaces with a cloth ragtends to grind in accumulated particles resulting in a scratched orstreaked appearance. A lambs wool duster lightly removes dust withoutstreaking. This particular tool, in contrast to others in the kit, isnot a dual-purpose tool. It is used for dust removal only and not forwaxing or buffing surfaces.

Brush 24

[0040] Brush 24, as depicted in FIG. 1, includes an elongate woodenhandle 46 and a brush end 48 made up of a large plurality of relativelystiff bristles. Brush 24 is preferably about 12 inches long overall, andthe bristles are preferably about ¾ inch long.

[0041]FIG. 3 shows brush 24 in use on a chain 50 and sprocket 52 of themotorcycle 44. A variety of cleaning solutions/solvents could be used toremove oil, dirt and grime from these motorcycle components. A brush ofthe type depicted in the Drawing is useful for this purpose since therelatively stiff bristles can get into the very small spaces, notchesand protrusions of these components, and adequately remove old andcaked-on oil and grease, etc. As in the case of swab 22 described above,in all likelihood use of brush 24 would occur fairly early on in thedetailing process. On the. other hand, it's possible that use of brush24 would not be required at all in some cases, depending on thecondition of the bike.

[0042] It cannot be overemphasized that a given detailing kit accordingto the invention need not include each and every tool depicted in FIG.1, and in fact may instead include various subsets of these tools oreven additional tools. When the detailing kit is commercialized it maybe that some kits have some of the tools and other kits have other ofthe tools, depending on which type of vehicle is being detailed, orwhether the customer buys a deluxe kit, standard kit, etc. In fact,Applicant believes that brush 24, intended more for heavy duty cleaningrather than “detailing,” may not be included in preferred detailing kitsaccording to the invention.

Pointed Rod 26

[0043] Kit 20 also preferably includes a long, slender pointed rod 26.Rod 26, shown in enlarged format in FIG. 10, has a pointed end 54 and ablunt end 56. Rod 26 is preferably about 16 inches long, though lengthsupwards of 20 inches are contemplated as well, and about 0.375 inch indiameter. In this embodiment pointed rod 26 is fabricated from a Dupontplastic material named “Delrin,” which can be purchased in 0.375 inchrod form. Thus, the rod stock is simply cut to length and sharpened tofashion a point on one end. The point preferably is sharp enough toretain one of the cleaning cloths 32 in position, but not so sharp thatit will poke through the cloth. Thus, the cloth 32 is “impaled” on thepointed end of tool 26. A plastic material like Delrin is preferredsince it is quite strong (having a tensile strength of about10,000-psi), and will tend to flex as needed, without breaking. Also, aplastic material will not tend to scratch or gouge the finish on avehicle if the bare rod comes into contact with the vehicle.

[0044]FIG. 4 illustrates the “cloth and stick” method as implemented bypointed rod 26 in combination with one of the cleaning cloths 32. Asshown in FIG. 4, one of the cleaning cloths 32 is draped over thepointed end 54 and pulled taught so as to impale the cleaning cloth 32.The user holds the cloth 32 in place as he or she grasps the blunt end56 of rod 26. Thus the rod/cloth combination is in a sense an extensionof the user's hand, and permits detailing of difficult to reach portionsof the bike. In FIG. 4, the rod/cloth combination is being used to cleanin the vicinity of the struts 58 of bike 44. Rod 26 is intentionallymade quite long (16 inches in its most preferred form) so as to permitthe user to in fact reach even the most remote, difficult to reach nooksand crannies.

[0045] In addition to the application shown in FIG. 4, the rod/cleaningcloth combination is particularly useful for cleaning such areas asengine cooling fins; certain areas of the handle bars and surroundingassemblies; the clutch and brake assemblies; all of the fluidreservoirs; and the front wheel and between the spokes, especially nearthe hub.

Slotted Rod 28

[0046] Kit 20 also preferably includes a slotted rod 28. As shown inFIG. 9, slotted rod 28 preferably includes a slotted end 60 and anunslotted end 62. Like the pointed rod 26, slotted rod 28 is preferablymade from a plastic material, preferably Delrin brand material, althoughother materials are contemplated. Also like pointed rod 26, slotted rod28 is preferably 16 inches long (though lengths upwards of around 20inches are contemplated) and 0.375 inch in diameter. Slotted end 60forms a slot 64 which can be about 1.5 inch long (measured along thelongitudinal axis of the tool) and about 0.062 inch in width. Slot 64 ispreferably diametrical, passing through the center of the tool 28 asviewed on end (see FIG. 9B). The purpose of slot 64, as depicted in FIG.9A, is to hold one of the cleaning cloths 32. While cloth 32 may verywell be thicker than the width of slot 64, the two “tines” created bythe slot will tend to spread apart as the cleaning cloth 32 is pushedinto the slot 64. It has been determined that the molding process willresult in the tines pinching or warping toward one another afterejection from the mold and during the cooling process. This is adesirable result as the tines will hold the cloth more firmly in place.The slot 64, while potentially of virtually any length or width, isdimensioned as set forth above so as to retain cloth 32 when the tool ismanipulated by hand or driven by a drill motor, as further discussedbelow. At the same time, slot 64 should not be so wide as to make the“tines” excessively thin and spindly. This could cause the tines to snapoff in the event that cloth 32 becomes wedged into a crevice in thevehicle, especially during the time that a drill motor is spinning thetool. On the other hand, making the slot 64 too thin would make itexcessively difficult to slide cleaning cloth 32 between the tines.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 5, cleaning cloth 32 is slipped into theslit between the tines with about one-half of cloth 32 extending out ofeach side of the tool, i.e., so that the cloth is symmetricallypositioned within slot 64. The round tool is then rotated so as to windthe cloth around the far end of the tool. The tool can then bemanipulated by hand, or by means of a drill motor 66, to reach and cleanotherwise inaccessible areas. The unslotted end 62 of the tool isinserted into the drill motor 66. Preferably the drill motor 66 isvariable speed, and for safety reasons only the slowest speeds arerecommended. Once the drill motor 66 is activated the cloth 32 ispositioned in the area to be power cleaned. The drill motor 66 is thenmanipulated so as to place the cloth in the area to be cleaned and thespinning cloth is pressed against the dirty area until it is thoroughlycleaned. As in the case of the pointed rod 26 discussed above, it may bedesirable to use a cleaning solution, solvent or wax on the cleaningcloth 32. Aside from safety concerns, care must be taken so as to avoidspinning the cloth too fast when using drill motor 66. This will helpavoid wedging the cleaning cloth 32 into a crevice and will alsoeliminate splattering of the solution/solvent (i.e., prevent thesolution from being “whipped off” the ends of the spinning cloth 32).

[0048]FIG. 5 shows this particular tool 28 in use to clean theunder-frame 68 of bike 44, and it can be readily seen why it isparticularly beneficial to have such a long reach. Vehicles, evenmotorcycles, are often too heavy and unwieldy to move, flip over, etc.,so it is incumbent on the user or owner to try to reach the variousnooks and crannies using long tools such as those described herein. Ofcourse, if the tools are excessively long they may tend to bend to anexcessive degree and make it impossible to apply enough side force tothe cleaning cloth to adequately clean the dirty vehicle surfaces.

[0049] It should be also noted that if cleaning cloth 32 gets wedgedinto a crevice in the vehicle, it is simply necessary to reverse thedirection of rotation of tool 28 in order to dislodge the cloth. Thus itis particularly useful to use a variable speed, reversible drill motorto power the tool.

Paddle 30

[0050] Kit 20 also preferably includes a flat paddle 30 that can beadvantageously used as a “rag-and-stick” type tool. Referring inparticular to FIG. 8, paddle 30 includes a pointed end 70 and a notchedend 72. Like the pointed rod 26 and slotted rod 28 discussed above,paddle 30 is preferably quite long and slender, and in this preferredembodiment the length can be anywhere from 12 inches to 16 inches, toupwards of 20 inches in some embodiments. Again, Delrin is the preferredmaterial. The tool can be about 1 inch wide and about 0.125 inch thick.The point 70 preferably has an included angle 71 of about 60 degree.Similarly, the triangular notch formed by notched end 72 has an includedangle 73 of about 60 degrees. Thus, in the fabrication of thisparticular tool, the point 70 of one such tool can be formed by cuttingout the notch 72 in an adjacent tool from a long piece of bar stock.

[0051] In a manner similar to pointed rod 26, the pointed end 70 ofpaddle 30 can be used in a traditional “rag and stick” mode, inconjunction with a cleaning cloth 32 to clean various nooks and crannieson a vehicle. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the pointed end 70 canbe used to clean between cooling fins 74 of a cylinder on a motorcycle.Again, as discussed in connection with pointed rod 26, cleaning cloth 32is draped over the pointed end 70 of paddle 30, with the pointed endimpaling cleaning cloth 32 to hold it in place. Then the user simplygrasps the near end of the tool (at or near the notched end 72) and atthe same time holds the cleaning cloth 32 in place. Then the tool/clothcombination can be moved up and down and back and forth to clean thevarious areas on the vehicle. Of course, as noted above, the user maywant to apply a cleaning solution, solvent or wax to the tool/ragassembly to increase its cleaning effectiveness.

[0052] Unlike the other tools discussed above, however, both ends ofpaddle 30 can be actively used in the cleaning process. Referring inparticular to FIG. 7, a cleaning cloth 32 can be draped over the notchedend 72 of paddle 30, and the tool/cloth combination can be used to cleanwheel spokes 76 or other small rod-like parts of a vehicle.

Cleaning Cloths 32 and Mesh Bag 33

[0053] Kit 20 also preferably includes a plurality of cleaning cloths32. Cloths 32 may vary in terms of their abrasiveness, absorbency, etc.,to give the user various choices, depending on the particular cleaningoperation he or she may confront. As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaningcloths 32 may be rolled up and bound with a rubber band or the like, forshipping and storage purposes. While cloths 32 can be any type ofmaterial that will not tend to scratch the vehicle's finish, Applicanthas found that terry cloth material is preferred for most applications.Preferably, the various cleaning cloths 32, depending on which tool isused and which application is being employed, are about 4 by 4 inches, 4by 12 inches, or 4 by 24 inches to make them compatible with the variouscleaning tools described above.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, kit 20 also includes a mesh bag 33 forstoring and washing cloths 32. Mesh bag can be made of a variety ofsturdy mesh materials, such as nylon, and is preferably made from tough,reinforced material stitched with heavy-duty thread which will stand upto frequent washing. A cinch rope at the top of the bag ensures thecloths will remain in the bag during washing. The preferred dimensionsof bag 33 are 10″ by 10″.

Shipping/Storage Tube 34

[0055] As noted above, kit 20 is preferably packaged in an elongate tube34 for shipping and storage purposes. Tube 34 is preferably made of atransparent plastic material so as to allow a potential buyer to seeexactly what the kit consists of prior to making the purchase, and toenable instructions and other written materials to be visible throughthe tube wall. Applicant has found that a tube having a length of about20 inches and an inside diameter of about 3½ inches is quite suitablefor holding all of the various tools described above. A plastic cap 36is inserted into the open end of tube 34 in order to fully enclose allof the various tools of kit 20. While tube 34 could be fabricated in anynumber of ways or acquired from various sources, Applicant hasdetermined such a tube can be acquired from Custom Paper Tubes, Inc.

[0056] Thus, the present invention includes a variety of complementarydetailing tools that can be used by a discriminating owner of a vehicleto detail that vehicle. The entire kit can be displayed, shipped, andstored in an elongate tube such as tube 34 described above.

[0057] The key to each of the tools described above is a combination ofsufficient length, strength, flexibility, and non-scratch material.Moreover, the flat tools (e.g., paddle 30) have to be wide enough to douseful “wiping” work. These characteristics are in sharp contrast to theprior art, which consisted of Popsicle sticks, plastic flatware(knives), etc.

[0058] Moreover, the flat and round “elongated” tools have multipleuses. They can all be used as dusters and as wax applicators/waxremovers. They can also be used to extend a cloth through an opening onone side of the bike to the other side in order to clean the passageway.Note that a cloth can be impaled on the end of the flat tools, and sincethey are made of non-scratch material they will not harm the vehicle'sfinish even if the pointed end protrudes completely through thematerial.

[0059] Even the mini-mop has the characteristic of being elongated andnon-scratch. Applicant has chosen a mini-mop that includes a soft twinebinding ring instead of one with a metal binding ring to continue thenon-scratch theme of the other tools.

[0060] Of course, other embodiments of the present invention can includedifferent combinations and sub-combinations, subsets and supersets, ofthe various tools described above. It is not necessary that each andevery detailing kit according to the present invention include theprecise tools in the precise configuration shown and described above.

[0061] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described above. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that many embodiments are possiblewithin the scope of the invention. Variations and modifications of thevarious parts and assemblies can certainly be made and still fall withinthe scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is limited only to theapparatus and method recited in the following claims and equivalentsthereto.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for detailing a remote area on a vehicle,comprising: a) An elongate tool having first and second ends; and b) Anelongate strip of material having first and second ends, wherein thefirst end of the material is removably attached to the first end of thetool, and the second end of the material is engaged with the second endof the elongate tool, whereby the elongate tool can be held at itssecond end and manipulated to place the material in cleaning contactwith the vehicle remote area.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetool is at least 10 inches long.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe tool is at least 16 inches long.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the tool is at least 20 inches long.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the tool is made of plastic.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the tool is injection molded.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the tool is made of Delrin.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, whereinthe tool has a bending strength of at least about 10,000-psi.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the material comprises strip of terrycloth.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first end of the toolforms a point and the first end of the material is impaled on the pointand the second end of the material is pinched against the second end.11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tool is a pointed round rod.12. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tool is pointed flat paddle.13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second end of the flat paddleis notched.
 14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tool first end hasa slot to receive the material.
 15. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe second end of the tool is manually held and manipulated to achievecleaning of the vehicle remote area.
 16. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the second end of the tool is manipulated and powered by meansof a drill motor.
 17. A kit for detailing various remote areas on avehicle, comprising: a) A plurality of elongate tools, each having afirst end and second end: b) A plurality of elongate strips of material,each having a first end and a second end, wherein remote areas on thevehicle can be cleaned by the various tools by attaching the strips ofmaterial thereto and manipulating the resulting assembly to place thematerial in cleaning contact with the remote areas; and c) An elongateclear plastic tube for displaying, shipping and storing the tools andmaterial.
 18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the kit further comprises oneor more elongate large area cleaning tools.
 19. The kit of claim 18,wherein one of the large area cleaning tools comprises a swab.
 20. Thekit of claim 18, wherein one of the large area cleaning tools comprisesa lamb's wool duster.
 21. The kit of claim 17, further comprising a meshbag for storing and washing the elongate strips of material.
 22. Anapparatus for detailing a remote area on a vehicle, comprising: a) Aflexible elongate tool having first and second ends; and b) A piece ofabsorbent material connected to the first end of the tool, wherein thetool is (i) between about 10 and 20 inches long, and (ii) constructed ofa non-scratch material having a bending strength of at least about10,000 psi, whereby the elongate element can be held at its second endand manipulated to place the absorbent material in cleaning contact withthe vehicle remote area.
 23. A method for detailing a remote area on avehicle, comprising: a) Selecting an elongate flexible tool having firstand second ends, wherein the tool is (i) between about 10 and 20 incheslong, and (ii) constructed of a non-scratch material having a bendingstrength of at least about 10,000 psi; b) Selecting a piece of absorbentmaterial and attaching the absorbent material to the tool first end; andc) Grasping the tool second end and manipulating the tool to place theabsorbent material in cleaning contact with the vehicle remote area.